TexasCHLforum.com

Thanks TAM and others for your responses. Lots of great information here, much more than I had before I signed up for my advantage plan. I need to discuss this with the wife.

Our advantage plans are AARP plans. We inquired about what to do from other folks around here.

We kept our own doctors. After the wife’s initial problems hers has worked out well. I’m having real problems wrapping my head around this prescription issue.

I just recently went on Medicare. SWMBO went on Medicare last year. Her experience was terrible. The original advantage plan she picked was a waste. Everything the plan people told us were lies. We wound up spending more out of pocket than they covered. She picked a new plan during open enrollment and it is much better.

When I enrolled I joined the advantage plan she is on. So far my prescription drug portion has been a pain.

I take several hypertension meds twice a day. I have a history of hypertension crises of unknown cause and my blood pressure is difficult to control. I have been on these meds for 25 years. None of my previous mail order prescription providers have questioned my prescriptions.

When my advantage provider sent me my first prescription fill under new prescriptions from my PCP they told me they were reviewing one of my prescriptions. They only gave me a 30 day supply of one med. I ordered a 90 day supply on the website 2 weeks ago. Today I ran out. They called me yesterday but I missed the w. They called today and this is the conversation.

Me: You called yesterday. What is the problem?
ORX: Your med was reviewed and we asked the manufacturer about you taking it twice a day. It is usually ordered once a day.
Me: I have been taking this twice a day for over 20 years under a doctors care. Why are you questioning my care?
ORX: We want to ensure your safety.
Me: I am out of this med. My blood pressure going up isn’t safe.
ORX: We need to hear from your PCP why they prescribed this twice a day. The manufacturer has advised us of their approval.
Me: You shouldn’t need my doctors approval. She ordered the prescription.
ORX: We are concerned about your safety.
Me: My blood pressure is going up as I speak to you. This is the most asinine conversation I recall ever having. What are you going to do if I have a heart attack or stroke while you do your Obamacare death board review about my meds?
ORX: You can request an emergency prescription of this med until the final determination is made.
Me: You will approve and pay for the emergency prescription?
ORX: Yes. Of course.
Me: But you are questioning my 90 day prescription of the exact same med?
ORX: For your safety.
Me : You are in Minnesota?
ORX: Yes.
Me: Lucky for you.
ORX: Why is that?
Me: Think about it. I will contact my physician. An you email me exactly what you want?
ORX: We do not use email for these matters. Phone, fax, or US Mail.
Me: For my safety.
ORX: Exactly!

My physician is closed today. I’m out of my blood pressure med.

Is this what happens when you get old?

Government run health care. If the government is the answer it is a stupid question. Never believe what the government tells you.

Does anyone have any good Medicare stories?